Sombre mood at Masjid Negara as VIPs, family members pay respects to Taib Mahmud


KUALA LUMPUR: A sombre atmosphere has settled around Masjid Negara here as funeral prayers are carried out for the late former Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud on Wednesday (Feb 21) morning.

Abdul Taib’s remains were brought to the main prayer hall of the national mosque at 10.20am.

A crowd comprising family members and dignitaries gathered inside as the police and Armed Forces stood vigil on the mosque grounds and its surroundings.

ALSO READ: Former Sarawak governor Taib Mahmud passes away

Among the dignitaries who came to pay their respects was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Abdul Taib passed away earlier Wednesday.

In a Facebook post, his daughter Datuk Hanifah Taib said the 87-year-old breathed his last at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40am.

Sarawak has declared two days of mourning for the late former Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

The state government said flags would be flown at half-mast on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb 22), while official functions involving entertainment would be postponed.

ALSO READ: Sarawak declares two days of mourning for Taib Mahmud

The state government also said a state funeral would be held for Abdul Taib at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex on Thursday.

The public can pay their last respects from 8am to 11.30am Thursday.

After that, Abdul Taib's remains will be brought to Masjid Demak for prayers and laid to rest at the family burial ground of his private residence in Demak Jaya.


Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

More hotels and flights to cater to visitor arrival increment to Sarawak, says state minister
Bella case: Siti Bainun withdraws appeal on stay of execution against jail sentence
Own a SME? Here’s 4 things you need to know about cybersecurity
Two motorcyclists killed, one injured fleeing roadblock in Sandakan
Tok Mat pays tribute to Iranian counterpart who perished in copter crash
Updated censorship guidelines focuses on public safety and culture, says Saifuddin
MCA condemns act of sending death threat to Teresa Kok
Orang utan not to be gifted to trading countries, should remain in habitat, says Sarawak minister
Sabah earned RM580mil from sales of crude oil to Shell, says Masidi
Pahang govt to send 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Palestine

Others Also Read